The Novak Djokovic saga in Australia is far from over. The Serb has been taken into custody by the authorities for the past few hours, while he awaits his hearing with justice.
Posted at 6:38 p.m.
Updated at 6:51 p.m.
On Thursday, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his discretion to revoke the 34-year-old tennis player’s Australian visa for the second time “on health and public order grounds”.
Djokovic’s lawyers later appealed the decision so he could stay in Australia.
According to what reports the CNN network, the athlete met with the Australian authorities in the last hours. He must spend the next few hours in detention, while his case is debated by his lawyers in Australian federal court. Another hearing is also due to take place on Sunday.
The parties have also agreed not to reveal the place of detention in order to keep the athlete safe and to avoid a “media circus”.
This saga has been at the heart of sports news for a week now, as Djokovic entered Australia without respecting the obligation to be vaccinated against COVID-19. He had spent several days in detention at that time.
The Serb returned to training on Thursday before his visa was withdrawn again. The world number 1 is looking for a 10and title at the Australian Open, which is due to start on Monday. If he participates and emerges victorious, it would also be his 21and Grand Slam victory, a record.